Faulty joints in pipes are many times the cause of fire when the rest of the home is perfectly guaranteed against it. For example, when a stovepipe is fitted into another there should be at least a 3″ lap to make a safe joint. Imperfect junctures of pipe and flue, pipe and pipe, make for the escape of sparks and consequent fire. Stovepipes should not pass through a floor or plaster partition or any concealed place, lest a parted joint or rust holes may cause mischief. Nor should any pipe that is likely to be heated pass through an attic where fluff is bound to accumulate, unless this pipe be insulated with asbestos to prevent ignition. Neither should a stovepipe pass through a roof, window or siding even of a summer kitchen; and the running of a very long stovepipe perpendicularly into a chimney is also hazardous. A stovepipe or a chimney, no matter how well isolated by zinc or what not, can set the ordinary shingled roof on fire by the escape of fiercely burning bits of soot and cinder. Many a roof has been burned this way, to say nothing of the whole house. There is to-day, besides the heavy tile, metal and composition roof, an asbestos roofing in the shape of shingles of any color and shape that will wear indefinitely, and is absolutely fireproof, moisture-proof and light enough to be put on any house. Furthermore if you don’t want to remove the old wooden roof, this shingle can be put over it and make a better roof than without the old one, as the insulation value of the wood will keep the attic warm in winter and cool in summer. There are many asbestos roofings, the best of which are made of asbestos fiber, cement; these are made in all colors, sizes and shapes and can be put on by any roofer. There is never any reason to repaint or repair them, and if they are a bit higher at first in price than the ordinary shingle, you save in the lack of upkeep and the fact that no sparking can go on between your neighbor’s roof and your own or between your chimney and your own roof. Copper roofs now are within the scope of more purses than heretofore. You have to remove stains from your garments, and for this may incur death and destruction by fire quite readily. But death is not necessary if a few precautions be taken. Keep the gasoline or whatever you may have in a can that can be bought for the purpose. Then don’t deposit it in the stove or near it, but away from it where there is no chance of any fire coming in contact with it. Don’t clean your clothes with these fluids in the smoking room or the kitchen. If possible clean them outdoors. FUELS